🧵THREAD | Read every single post in this thread carefully. | Independent journalists are being widely praised for…

🧵THREAD | Read every single post in this thread carefully. | Independent journalists are being widely praised for their coverage of the ongoing protests in Delhi. But what lies behind this carefully cultivated image of independence? These journalists openly give protesters a platform, take their side during confrontations, and even obstruct police action. Their conduct during protests is there for everyone to see. I decided to put some of these self-proclaimed independent journalists to the test. Using a fake email ID, I approached several of them with a proposal to create Instagram videos for the SP ahead of the 2027 UP elections. What happened next? They responded with work samples and quoted their prices for producing political content. I’m sharing screenshots of the email replies I received from each of them as evidence. Meet journalist Mamta Singh. You may have frequently seen her videos on the media outlet News Capsule. Mamta Singh quoted ₹40,000 for a single reel. 1/

Meet Priya Singh, who is also associated with News Capsule. The reporting by News Capsule and several journalists associated with the outlet has consistently been critical of just one political side. When I approached Priya Singh with the offer, she did not decline it on journalistic grounds. Instead, she quoted ₹30,000–₹35,000 per Instagram reel for creating political content for the SP. 2/

Remember this girl who was repeatedly seen arguing with police officers during the protests in Delhi? Her name is Shivani Gautam. Shivani presents herself as an independent journalist and a voice of impartiality. In one of her videos, she claimed that the BJP IT Cell had approached her with an offer to make paid videos. She exposed the offer publicly, presenting it as an example of political attempts to pay journalists for content. But here’s what happened when Shivani received a similar offer in the name of the SP. Instead of exposing the offer, Shivani expressed interest in the collaboration and even shared her mobile number for further communication. 3/

Meet Zaish Malik. He is actively covering the protests, microphone in hand and press card around his neck, presenting himself as an impartial voice for the common people. But when approached with an offer to create political content for the Political Party, he was also willing to discuss the proposal. So much for the image of independent journalism! 4/

Harassing security personnel during protests for no apparent reason is increasingly being portrayed as revolutionary journalism. And those engaging in it are being celebrated as fearless, independent voices. Meet Prisha Yadav, another journalist who has been actively covering the protests. When approached with a proposal to create Instagram content for the SP, she was also willing to work with the party. Her quoted rates ranged from ₹13,000 to ₹85,000, depending on the content package. 5/

Meet Manish Rajput, one of the people who confronted an Aaj Tak journalist, surrounding him and shouting “Godi Media” at him. But when it comes to creating political content for SP, Manish is willing to take up the assignment. He is ready to make reels for SP starting at ₹15,000 per reel. 6/

Meet Govind Gurjar, who is covering the Delhi protests, branding other journalists as “Godi Media” and presenting himself as part of the independent media. I emailed him twice with a proposal to create Instagram videos for the Samajwadi Party ahead of the 2027 UP elections. He did not reject the proposal on journalistic grounds. Instead, he said he was busy covering the protests and shared his mobile number along with samples of his work. What moral authority do these people have to call others 'Godi Media' while entertaining offers to create political content for a party? 7/

Another name in this investigation is content creator Vandana Meena, who has been making videos during the ongoing Delhi protests. She also receives media passes from the Congress party to attend Rahul Gandhi’s programmes. When approached with a proposal to create Instagram content for the SP, she shared a package priced between ₹15,000 and ₹1.6 lakh, depending on the offering. 8/

This is journalist Milan Sar, also known as Anil Kumar. He has been visible at the Delhi protests in recent days, while at other times, he is seen attending Rahul Gandhi’s programmes. When approached with a proposal to create Instagram content for the SP, he quoted ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per reel. By now, you may have an idea of why these people keep showing up at such politically significant events and how much their claims of being independent. 9/

Another name worth looking at is the person behind the social media accounts operating under the name 'Khota Sikka'. He creates rap songs on political and social issues. Over the past few months, he has also been seen moving around the Delhi protests with a microphone. He frequently appears at Rahul Gandhi’s 'chhatron ki goonj' programme, where he receives a media pass. His quoted charges for creating political content range from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. 10/

Journalist Neha Sharma is another name in this investigation. She has been actively covering the protests and runs social media accounts under the name 'That’s Her Podcast', presenting herself as an independent journalist. When it comes to political promotion, however, her quoted charges go up to ₹50,000 for creating content for a political party. 11/

Vishal Kadyan covers the Delhi protests with a press card and microphone. He is also given media passes for Rahul Gandhi’s events. When approached with an offer to create political videos for the SP ahead of the 2027 UP elections, this self-described independent journalist was willing to discuss the project. How does this square with the image of an impartial, independent voice that he presents to the public?

Now, You can judge for yourself how independent and impartial these so-called journalists really are when they are willing to discuss paid political content for a party. How impartial are their voices? How genuinely do they stand with society, rather than serving political interests? Their own responses to my emails offer plenty of food for thought. And this is not the end. I still have more emails to share. I’ll be posting the remaining responses soon. 🧵12

Correction: Manisha Singh